Spot the signs

#EyePrevent encourages you to spot the signs of young people trapped in the radicalisation process of the terrorist groups. You may be in a position to identify and support somone who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in extremism or terrorism. That may save your brother, your friend, or colleague. Anybody can be a victim of radicalisation and everybody can watch over their community and combat terrorism threats.

Individuals can be drawn towards the process of radicalisation in a number of ways, many of which may overlap. When we talk about ‘vulnerability’ or ‘susceptibility’ within this context we mean individuals who, because of their circumstance, experiences or state of mind can be lead towards a terrorist ideology. The following list of potential vulnerabilities is not exhaustive and all or none may be present in individual cases of concern. It is important to stress that there may be no direct evidence of criminal behaviour.

Stop today the young people to become terrorist or to support terrorism. Remember that safeguarding vulnerable people from radicalisation is no different to safeguarding them from other forms of potential harm.

See some of the signs bellow:

Susceptibility to indoctrination – People can often become drawn to principles and ideologies held by other and some are particularly susceptible to this type of control

Social Networks involvement in Extremism – We trust those closest to use and can be influenced by those we trust. We tend to share the same beliefs as our peers and often will not question the motives of those we love and respect.

Being at a transitional time of life – A transitional stage in life can be anything from moving to a new area or a country, ending or starting a new relationship.

A need for identity, meaning and belonging – It may be than an individual has encountered peer, social, family or faith group rejection or isolation

Being influenced or controlled by a group – Organisation intent on radicalising others can have an incredibly powerful and dominating effect on individuals

Opportunistic involvement – People may be presented unexpectedly with an opportunity to become involved with groups or individuals they may not otherwise associate with. They may be taken by surprise by psychological hooks that quickly take hold.

Feelings of grievance and injustice – People can often find themselves in situations they perceive as unfair. It is at this point they may become vulnerable to indoctrination and radicalisation

Feeling under threat – Individuals may be at risk due to general insecurities or feelings of vulnerability and alienation following recent conflict or absent family relationship

A desire for status – Some individuals might desire greater power and increased standing within their communities duet o a lack of identity

A desire for excitement and adventure – Individuals and young people in particular are often influenced by views and opinions provided by online propaganda

A need to dominate and control others – Some individuals may have a natural tendency to want to dominate or rule over others.

A desire for political or moral change – Some people could react strongly to the emotive subject of extremism and terrorism, often with disgust or outrage. In some cases, this can lead to an overwhelming need for change, either political or moral.

Spot some signs in your community? Ask for the specialist opinion and contact local authorities, governament departments, community organisations that are engaged in Preventing programmes. The police also play a significant role in Prevent, in much the same way as they do when taking a preventative approach to other crimes.